Dog friendly cottage in the Sologne with an enclosed garden

Bringing a dog to the Sologne means checking two things: that the accommodation truly accepts it, and that it can come along on your days out. Here is what the house offers, where to walk, and the rule at each major site around Romorantin-Lanthenay.

Is the cottage dog friendly?

Yes. Pets are welcome at L'Instant Tranquille, and the house has a private enclosed garden. For the number of animals, any extra charge or questions about the fencing, ask us before you book.

You rent the whole house: 115 m², 3 bedrooms, 6 guests, no shared hallway or communal areas. The terrace opens onto the garden, with a table for six and a barbecue. The town centre is a 5 to 10 minute walk, handy for the morning outing. Room details are on the cottage page.

Where can you walk a dog in the Sologne?

Along the water and on waymarked paths. Two areas make a good half-day walk less than 30 min from the house.

• Mennetou-sur-Cher (18 min, 16 km): a walled medieval village and the banks of the Canal de Berry, followed by the Cœur de France à vélo cycle route. The path is flat and shared with cyclists, so keep the lead short.
• Saint-Viâtre, pond country (29 min, 24 km): the village of the Maison des Étangs. Check with the museum before you go whether dogs can join the exhibition and guided walks.
• Romorantin on foot: the banks of the Sauldre and the town centre, straight from the cottage without the car.

One thing British and Dutch visitors often miss: most Sologne woodland is privately owned, and there is no general right to roam. Stay on waymarked paths and keep your dog on a lead, as wildlife is everywhere. Walking routes and dog-friendly outings are also listed by Sologne Tourisme. More walking ideas are in our guide to the ponds and forests of the Sologne.

Can you visit Chambord with a dog?

Partly. Dogs are not allowed inside the château, guide and assistance dogs excepted. On a lead, they are accepted on the outdoor walks of the estate.

In practice you can walk around the outside of the château, follow the canal and use the paths open to the public. To see the interior, take turns: one of you stays outside with the dog while the other visits. Sources disagree about the formal French gardens, so check the official Chambord website before buying tickets. Chambord is 43 min from the cottage (40 km).

Are dogs allowed at the Château de Cheverny?

No. The Château de Cheverny states in its FAQ that pets cannot enter the estate, which covers the grounds as well as the house.

The estate keeps its own pack of hunting hounds, which explains the rule. Cheverny is 31 min away (29 km): plan it for a day when someone in your group stays at the house with the dog, or save it for another trip.

Can you take a dog to Beauval zoo?

Yes, but you will miss part of it. The ZooParc de Beauval admits dogs, and only dogs, while closing several areas to them.

• the tropical greenhouses;
• the Equatorial Dome;
• the show areas;
• the Nuage de Beauval cable car;
• the North American territory;
• the Heights of China.

The zoo publishes a list of nearby boarding kennels for visitors who would rather come without their pet. Beauval is 38 min away (48 km). Our guide to staying near the ZooParc de Beauval covers how to plan the day.

Why stay in Romorantin when travelling with a dog?

Because the house solves the sightseeing problem. With an enclosed garden and the whole place to yourselves, the group can split up: some go to the château, others stay with the dog, and nobody waits in a car park.

Drives stay short, which keeps car time down for the animal: 18 min to the Canal de Berry, 29 min to the Saint-Viâtre ponds, 43 min to Chambord. Private parking is on site, and bed linen and towels are provided, leaving boot space for the dog bed and bowls, which you bring yourself.